Comparison

Barrier vs AppKeeper

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Barrier

This app helps you regain control over your phone usage by creating a physical barrier to accessing distracting applications. Instead of simply closing apps, it requires you to wait a set amount of time with your phone face down before granting temporary access, prompting reflection on your digital habits.

Highlights
  • Select apps to limit
  • Automatic app locking
  • Face-down phone wait for unlock
  • Temporary app access
  • Customizable wait times (5-60 seconds)
  • Unlimited apps with paid version
Features
Read full description

Most blockers simply close apps. One tap and you’re back to scrolling. This app works differently. To open social media, you have to put your phone face down and wait. From 5 to 60 seconds — you choose. There’s no “cancel” button. You just sit there, staring at the back of your phone. In those seconds, your brain snaps out of autopilot. You remember that you actually had things to do. And you realize — is this feed really worth a minute of your life? Most of the time — it’s not. This isn’t blocking. It’s a physical barrier that brings back control. How Barrier works: 1. Choose apps → Select the apps you want to limit 2.Auto-blocking → Apps are locked automatically 3.Unlock → Put your phone face down for a set time 4.Temporary access → Apps become available for a limited time Paid features: - Unlimited apps and category (Free: 5 apps or 1 category) Privacy Policy: https://sabellus.github.io/portal/privacybarrier.html Terms of Use: https://sabellus.github.io/portal/termsbarrier.html

About

AppKeeper

Features
Read full description

AppKeeper helps you understand where your phone time goes and create simple rules for the apps that pull you in most. See today's usage at a glance, check app-by-app activity, and manage selected apps with iOS Screen Time controls. It is built for people who want less automatic scrolling and more intentional time with their phone. Key features: - View today's total app usage - See app-by-app usage rankings - Check hourly usage details - Select apps you want to manage - Create control rules for selected apps - Switch display language in settings Privacy first: AppKeeper does not collect personal information such as contacts, photos, messages, location, browsing history, or account data. Screen Time permission is used only to select apps, read usage duration, and apply the rules you choose. Your settings are stored locally on your device. Take back your time, one app at a time.

Screenshots

Barrier4 screens
AppKeeper3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AppKeeper at none against Barrier's 3. AppKeeper also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). Barrier's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Barrier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. AppKeeper asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Barrier ships an update every 2 weeks, AppKeeper every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Barrier versus AppKeeper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarrierAppKeeper
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSavelii Veprev功亮 张

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Barrier

Subscriptions2
  • Premium for week$2.997 Days
  • Premium for month$4.991 Month
One-time1
  • Premium Forever$9.99
None

AppKeeper

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Barrier free?
Barrier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AppKeeper free?
AppKeeper is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Barrier or AppKeeper have ads?
Neither Barrier nor AppKeeper shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Barrier or AppKeeper?
Barrier ships an update every 2 weeks, and AppKeeper every 4 days. Most recently, Barrier was updated on October 12, 2026 and AppKeeper on October 4, 2026.

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